Board of Selectmen Meeting March 22, 2021

Board of Selectmen Meeting March 22, 2021

At the March 8, 2021 Board of Selectmen Meeting both Deputy Selectman Sean Askham and Selectman Chris Peterson suggested that the budget reflects the expectations of the residents to justify an increase in spending.

Then it was stated that the residents don’t vote or keep abreast of the government affairs.

So how do the Selectmen know what their expectations are?

Government should provide services for the health and safety of the residents not the vocal few interest groups and their demands which drive the increases in the budget.

However, these are the residents who vote and reelect their Selectmen.

This year Simsbury has had an increase in development with all the new apartments developed or scheduled to be developed, the Big Y Market, home sales and Solar panels that increased the Town revenues and the Grand List.

The Grand list will generate approximately $2.7 million in new tax revenue.

Real Estate comprised a 1.55% increase with the construction of new apartments and the Big Y market.

Personal property increased by 17.90% made of new growth driven from the Tobacco Valley Solar project and the expansion of Curaleaf.

Motor Vehicles increased by 6.72%.

The difference between budgeted tax collection rate of 98.5% and anticipated tax collection rate of 99.5% is an additional projected revenue of $882,549.

Millions of dollars will be coming from the State and Federal Governments.

More developments are in the pipeline.

The Town has an opportunity to reduce expenditures in the budget so the taxpayers can realize the pot of gold with lower taxes and a reduced Mill Rate.

The Covid pandemic has created a society, including Simsbury, with long-term mental health issues, substance abuse, increase in family violence, children with developmental issues and psychiatric issues needing immediate attention.

The Police are called for Welfare Checks on suspected people with suicidal thoughts.

Special needs students have regressed during the Covid Pandemic that will require long-term intervention.

The Police are called for families with children, spouses and partners that are living under stressful situations.

On February 28, 2021 a 40-year-old male died from an overdose in Simsbury with a history of addiction.

There are homeless people in Simsbury in need of help.

Where are these issues being addressed in the budget?

The Town budgeted a consultant at $22,000 for the Spirit Council to study diversity and no money for mental health.

Where are the town referrals for long-term care and family intervention?

The Simsbury Fire Department vaccinated their constituents and the Board of Education provided vaccines to the teaching staff in Simsbury.

When is the Town going to provide a location in Simsbury where Town residents and Town employees can receive the Covid vaccination?

The Capital Expenditure budget reflects an addition to the Latimer Lane School with a price tag of $ 36 million.

It appears that the Facility Study did not produce scenarios that would reflect changes in the educational delivery services and the move of the 6th grade to the Junior High.

The Board of Education promoted an addition to the Junior High at $23.9 million before the Facility Study was initiated.

The Facilities Study should have been priority one which would have reduced wasteful spending.

After the Facilities Study was completed, the Board of Education could have promoted an addition to the Junior High incorporating the 6th grade as part of the renovation and complete the task in one phase.

With the elimination of the 6th grade in the elementary schools the Board of Education should consolidate some of the schools under one roof producing an economy of scale.

This would lower the overhead costs and reduce redundancies in inventories while providing the same educational needs to more students under one roof.

The Latimer Lane School should be removed from the Capital Expenditures budget until a comprehensive study is done addressing the 6th grade transition into the Junior High and the consolidation of elementary schools.

Included in the Capital Expenditures is the purchase of the Meadowood Land in conjunction with the Land Trust that will pay for the additional cost if they can raise the money for the project.

The Taxpayers are asked to support a $2.6 million project for land that has been vacant for years and produces $200,000 a year in revenue. The Plan of Development does not support this purchase and additional infrastructure costs and overhead expenses have not been presented. The development of the land reflects 88 homes for affordable housing that would be eliminated.

Town Manager Maria Capriola continues to promote affordable housing while eliminating it in the Meadowood Open Space acquisition. What a hypocrite!

I would like to report to the Board of Selectmen that the Police Commission is reviewing the Vandalized Footlocker Investigation in conjunction with my Citizen Complaint.